Come on, Heather. Time to go back in your little house. Let Meatloaf have his new jacket.

(ro-oh!) [wags tail]There you go. Get a snack.

Come here, Meatloaf. Let's try this on. Oh, you look very handsome!

It's a little big, but looks toasty.

(Woof!) [wags tail]Isn't our little hedger a cutie! She's a sweet addition to our four-footed family. Meatloaf isn't used to her yet. (giggles) Do you have any unusual pets? What is it/are they?

Xyra Notes

Heather, the hedgehog, and her house are part of the My Life As Small Pet Play Set. The set also includes a hamster, exercise wheel, teeter-totter, and food. We hope to introduce the hamster later; she's the same size as the hedgehog so some creativity needs to be employed. 😉

Note: Tea Time with Melody Q is not affiliated with American Girl, My Life As, or Dressing Dollies. All items featured were gifted to or purchased for our collection. Links are provided for educational and informative purposes; no funding is received for links clicked. No purchase is required or suggested to enjoy the post.

Thursday, February 21, 2019

Lovely Afternoon

Hello! Grace on the scene today and reporting on yesterday. Yesterday, ah, beautiful yesterday! We had a winter storm come through. It wasn't super severe, but enough snow fell that Xyra was able to leave work early.

One of the things I love most about winter storms is the hush that falls over everything. You step outside and it's so quite you can hear the snowflakes fall on the ground.

Another beautiful thing about snow storms is how the fresh snow squeaks a little or crunches as you walk on it.

Xyra is funny. If she walks out in the snow, like to get the mail, on her return trip she tries to put her feet back in her footprints so there is only one trail.

I think we had about 4 inches fall, but it changed to freezing rain then rain, so I don't have an accurate measure.

A lot of times we'll play games or watch movies on a snow day. You know, while it's still coming down. But yesterday, we ended up watching a Property Brothers Buying & Selling marathon. Drew is my favorite. Lea likes Jonathan more. What do you usually do on a snow day?Yesterday was also National Love Your Pet Day, so you know our crew got some extra hugs and treats. We have a couple new little ones to introduce you too, but you'll have to come back another day to see them. (giggles) You won't regret it. Sooooo cute!À bientôt!

Note: Tea Time with Melody Q is not affiliated with American Girl, HGTV, or The Property Brothers. All links provided are for educational and informative purposes; the blog receives no funding if a link is clicked.

Tuesday, February 19, 2019

Tea for Tuesday #18

Sipology Limoncello Tea from Steeped Tea

Hey! Kaya here getting back to our roots of enjoying a good cup of tea with you, our followers and friends. Have you ever been to a Tupperware party or Thirty-One or Pampered Chef? Well, now there is also company that introduces you to all sorts of teas in the same way. It's called Steeped Tea. Xyra was invited to an online party this past fall and ordered three blends. The consultant, Jamie Zimmerman, was very nice and helpful in answering questions.

All the details for brewing are on the back. Scoop one and a half teaspoons of tea into your favorite infuser. Pour hot water over the tea and let it steep for 4 or 5 minutes. This one says the leaves may be re-steeped up to 3 times. Let's go to it!Here I have the tea in our clear pot.

Xyra has poured the water and we get to watch the leaves dance.

[Timer beeps]Done. See the delicate color of the tea. It's not a deep amber like most black teas, and not yellow-green like green teas. But a lovely light gold.

From the top you can see the unfurled leaves and take in the wonderful citrus aroma.

Seems we need a bigger cup. (giggles)

I have three cups ready to go. Let's taste.

The first is plain. Just the limoncello tea with no sweetener. (sips)

It's fresh and bright and lemony!The second sip has regular table sugar. (sips)

The sugar does soften the edge of the citrus.The third sip has honey. (sips)

Okay, that is nice, but reminds me, well, of the tea we drink when we're not feeling well. I rate this one with 4 out of 5 stars.

Why not a five? Well, I think if you over steep this one there is no way to fix the sharp and sour flavor of the citrus; so you'll have to start over.

Xyra's Notes

I like this piping hot or cold; the lukewarm in between is not as pleasant.

I have tried re-steeping and, as the bag instructs, 3 is the perfect number. 4 makes a very weak cup.

A lovely, refreshing blend if you like citrus teas. If not, this blend is not for you.

Thanks for stopping and having a cup with us today!Happy sipping!

Note: Tea Time with Melody Q is not affiliated with American Girl, Sipology, Steeped Tea, or Jamie Zimmerman (other than she is our consultant). The tea reviewed was purchased for our collection with our own funds. The review is unsolicited and comprised of our own opinions, thoughts, and words. Links are provided for educational and informative purposes. No purchase is required or suggested to enjoy the post. Should you be interested in learning more about Steeped Tea, the links will help point you in the right direction. Tea Time with Melody Q does not receive any funding if you click the links.

Friday, February 15, 2019

Second Month of the Year

Hello! Lea here to show off our newest build.

Looks like Gem is interested too.

This month The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part opened last week. I really hope we get to see it. Anyway, so when Xyra found the poly bag Emmett heart sets and the mini figure blind bags we knew how to build February.

Of course, the calendar colors also had to represent Valentine's Day so lots of pinks and reds. We through in a bit of purple too.

We really hope to add to our mini figure collection for this movie. So far we have President Business, Unikitty, and two Emmetts.

The Emmett mini figures have two-sided heads. So the one in the back is mad Emmett because he can't find the last piece of his heart and he sees happy Emmett with it.

What do you think?

Did you find the pineapple?

Have a great weekend!Tchau!

Note: Tea Time with Melody Q is not affiliated with American Girl, LEGO, or Warner Bros. The items featured in this post were purchased with our own funds to add to our collection. Links provided are for educational and informative purposes. No purchase is suggested or required to enjoy the post.